Meet Your Therapist
Hello, My name is Mary Sanders and I am passionate licensed clinical social worker with ten years of experience. I have a down-to-earth spirit and take a person-centered approach to my practice. I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space so that you can navigate therapy with ease. We will explore the past, understand how these experiences have impacted your life, and create steps to change.
My commitment as a psychotherapist, social worker, and social justice advocate is to explore the depths of transgenerational trauma and peel off the layers of oppression and cultural conditioning so that we can relate to our true self.
My experience is working with Black, Indigenious, People of Color (BIPOC), Veterans, immigrant and refugees from Iraq and Syria, foster youth, and LGBTQIA. I am committed in treating trauma and am certified in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and will complete Somatic Experiencing Psychotherapy certificate in 2022. I am integrating somatic practices in my psychotherapy sessions.
I am certified in Psychedelic-assisted Therapies and Research at California Institute of Integral Studies, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy from MAPS, and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy from Ketamine Training Center. I am passionate to explore how psychedelics and plant medicines can serve as tools to heal trauma. I am a dedicated life long learner committed to expanding my training, certification, and understanding of the diversity and complexity of the communities I serve.
Photo credit: Angela DeCenzo
Education
University of Texas at Austin
Masters of Social Work
University of San Diego
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Professional Experience
emPATH Center, Private Practice, Oakland
United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), San Francisco
Therapy and support for chronically homeless Veterans transitioning into permanent homes.
Family Health Center, San Diego, CA
Therapy for uninsured, low-income, and medically underserved populations including Syrian and Iraqi refugees and immigrants.
San Diego Center for Children, FFAST Program
Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and families involved in foster care.
University of Southern California Graduate School of Social Work in San Diego, CA
Partnered with USC in providing supervision for MSW students and TF-CBT training.
Harmony House, Inc., Cape Town, South Africa
Intern providing individual and group therapy with clients in recovery for substance use disorders.
Austin Recovery, Austin, TX
Intern assisting with client initial assessments into recovery program for substance use disorders
Berkman Elementary School, Round Rock, TX
Intern providing individual and group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for elementary aged children.
Harder +Company Community Research, San Diego, CA 2007- 2010
Research Assistant supporting research design, data collection, and statistical analysis for non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and foundations